January 2025

Growing Ontario agri-food together: A collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph

Stories of the Alliance people, places and programs generating impact in the agri-food sector in Ontario and around the world. 

In this issue:

• Growing Ontario Solutions 2023/24
• 2024 Innovation of the Year winner
• Student chefs explore farm-to-fork production at the Ontario Beef Research Centre
• Skills for Research Impact workshop series
• Upcoming events
• Alliance people, places and programs in the media

Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance delivers results for food producers and agribusinesses

The Government of Ontario, the University of Guelph, and Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario are celebrating a year of world-class research, innovation, training and laboratory testing that have delivered sustainable solutions for Ontario’s $51-billion agri-food sector.

In its first year of a renewed five-year agreement, the collaboration known as the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance contributed nearly $207 million to the province’s growing agri-food economy, growing businesses and helping the sector thrive. 

Dr. Peter Pauls and research technician Tom Smith.

The Ontario Beef Research Centre’s managed pasture is used for rotational grazing and research into sustainable beef production, soil health and productivity. 

Culinary students from across Canada gained first-hand experience with Canada’s world-class beef production system through a unique field trip this past October to the  Ontario Beef Research Centre in Elora, Ont.   

The excursion, which was also attended by selected online food influencers, was a collaborative venture among the University of Guelph, Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario (ARIO), Canada Beef, Taste Canada and Canadian Food Focus.

Join us online this winter for one or multiple sessions from the Skills for Research Impact workshop series! 

Faculty, research staff and graduate students interested in enhancing the impact of their research will learn how to successfully plan, execute and evaluate knowledge mobilization (or knowledge translation and transfer) activities. Sessions will cover key topics relating to effective research communications and engagement of non-academic audiences, including policy, industry and community stakeholders.

January 21: Planning for Research Impact

January 28: KTT Strategies and Dissemination

February 4: Clear Language Writing

February 11: Community Engagement

February 25: Evaluating KTT Activities

For more information, contact us at kttadmin@uoguelph.ca.

A selection of Alliance people, places and programs cited in popular and trade media.

U of G professor and food scientist named to Order of Ontario (Jan. 8, U of G News)

Dr. Alejandro Marangoni, professor in the Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College and Tier I Canada Research Chair in Food, Health and Aging has been named to the Order of Ontario. 

OVC professor emeritus appointed to Order of Canada (Jan. 8, U of G News)

Dr. Carlton Gyles was named an Officer of the Order in recognition of “his profound contributions to veterinary microbiology,” whose seminal studies “have led to new vaccines, improved infection control and a safer food supply.” 

U of G researchers breeding the perfect wheat to resist disease (Jan. 3, Farms.com)

Dr. Helen Booker, leader of the wheat breeding program at the University of Guelph, is breeding the perfect wheat to resist disease.

Diverse crop rotations bring savings in poor growing conditions (Farmtario, Dec. 23) 

Data from the Ontario Crops Research Centre sites in Elora and Ridgetown form contributed to a public database of crop rotational information, designed to inform farmers, policy makers and others about cropping systems, policies or programs that can reduce risk.

U of G generative AI work predicts rising food costs in 2025 (Dec. 5, U of G News)

Machine learning predictions from University of Guelph researchers are helping Canadians get a better picture of what they will need to spend on groceries next year.

U of G holds 2nd place in top Canadian research university rankings (Dec. 5, U of G News)

This marks the 10th year in a row that the University has held this spot among Canadian comprehensive universities in an annual survey of top research institutions.

U of G pomology professor interview about Alliance-funded research among top 6 podcast episodes from The Grower

The Grower is Digging Deeper behind its May 2024 cover story and speaking with Dr. John Cline. He shared information on his most recent trials with a plant growth regulator for peaches and nectarines, that could shave 40 to 50 per cent off the time required to hand thin. That’s new technology eagerly awaited by Canadian growers with 8,600 acres of tree fruit. Listen to the episode, or read the Alliance story: U of G researchers’ product testing could revolutionize the tender fruit industry.

Comments? Feedback? Events or content to include? Email kttadmin@uoguelph.ca.

This newsletter is produced by the University's Office of Research. The views expressed are the views of the University and do not necessarily reflect those of OMAFA. Questions regarding the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance can be addressed to omafrago@uoguelph.ca.